Written by Jamie Parsons
As New York Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo considers running for a fourth term, he is currently undergoing an investigation over sexual harassment claims. Investigators said 11 women have accused Mr. Cuomo of a range of inappropriate behavior and 179 witnesses have come forward to be interviewed. Despite the political backlash Mr. Cuomo is now receiving, he refuses to step down from his position.
The New York State attorney general, Letitia James, released on Tuesday, a 165-page report which states Mr. Cuomo sexually harassed multiple women, breaking both federal and state laws. The report revealed a deeply disturbing, yet clear picture that tears away at the fabric and character of our state government. Albany County district attorney, David Soares, said in a statement after the report was released that his office is now going to conduct an investigation on Mr. Cuomo’s behavior and the work environment he creates.
Joon H. Kim, a former top federal prosecutor, is one of the lawyers hired to conduct the investigation. He said the investigation revealed a “pattern” from Mr. Cuomo and found the culture within the executive chamber allowed sexual harassment to occur. Mr. Kim said, “It was a culture where you could not say no to the governor and if you upset him or his senior staff you would be written off, cast aside, or worse.”
Despite the multiple victims and witnesses, Mr. Cuomo denies all allegations. “I never touched anyone inappropriately or made inappropriate sexual advances…I am 63 years old. I have lived my entire adult life in public view. That is just not who I am, and that’s not who I have ever been,” he said in what seemed to be a prerecorded message. He also defended his office environment by describing it as high pressure and demanding, but not toxic.
Even before the report was released, Mr. Cuomo has received considerable damage. According to the New York Times, “The State Assembly launched a broad impeachment investigation to scrutinize, among other issues, the governor’s handling of nursing homes during the pandemic, which federal prosecutors also began to investigate.” Mr. Cuomo’s approval ratings have been sinking, members of his party have been turning against him, and the list of his potential challengers continues to expand as he nears his fourth term next year.
The speaker of the State Assembly, Carl E. Heastie said they would scrutinize the report and its corresponding exhibits and have more to say on the matter later. However, he also said the conduct by the governor in the report indicates someone who is not fit for office. With the State Assembly having the power to impeach Mr. Cuomo, it doesn’t seem like the governor will be “refusing” to step down for long.
